Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1887-04-12
ENGINEERS REUNION
TIE nRorHEsHoop's MEgTraG at
THE THEATRE SUNDAY.
a Big Crowd Speeches by chiefTngineer
Arthur and Numerous
Others.

Others.
The Brotherhood of Locomotive En-
ginc5rs had glorious reGnion, at the
Theatre Sunday afternoon. The
weather was delightfully."- pleasant, oil
nature seemed glad, and other circum-
stances attending the occasion were
most favorable. This was called a
union meeting of Richmond Division
No. 2t, but was really fraternal re-
union intended for all members OF the
organization who could make it conve-
nient to come and who desired TO do so.
The Yhestre was packed from pit to
dome, and the side aisles were filed
with persons standing. The orchestra
was occupied by members Of the bro
tberhood and the parquet by their
wives, daughters, and lady friends.
The majority Of the visiting members -
587 in number, representing seven
States and seventeen diyisions-and
many ladies and interested spectators
occupied the dress circle. Two special
trains arrived in the morning-One
bringing the men from New York,
Fbiladelphia. and Baltimore, and the
other those from Norfolk. The audi
ence was q magnificent one TO look
upon, embracing. rs it did. much OF
the real manhood and intelligence OF
our country.
IN THE MARCH.
The members of Richmond Division,
No. rs, together with some of their
visiting brethren, membefs of the Order
of Railway Conductors and Brother
hood Of Locomotive Firemen, to the
number Of about 250, met at Thon's
Hall at 1870 o'clock, and, headed by
Guide d. NJ. Wiltshire and Chief +. NJ.
Coffee, marched from the divisions
lodPe-Toom there up Main, Ninth, and
Broad streets to the Theatre.
THE CHOIR.
There was on the stage 2 choir Of
about folty voices, which discoursed
sweet music, alternating with the
speeches. The scenery was very pretti-
ly arranged, the background represent
ing forest in rich foliage. Just in
front Of the speakers, invited guests,
and choir was suspended very hand
some and attractive cross bearing the
inscription Of the order. The stage
front was decorated with potted plants
and blooming flowers and on the piano
in the orchestra was the model OF All
engine, the tender of which was filed
with flowers.
CALLED 70 ORDER.
At . o'clock, after singing by the
choir, Mr.. a. j. Schevers, representa-
tive of the American Brake Company,
and member of Division %, offspring
field, H., who had been chosen by
Richmond Division TO preside, called
the meeting to order and said:
We ore assembled here for the purpose Of
hGrmOuiziDg tho brotherhood so a creator ex-
tent and TO afford It's members with their
wives, children, and friends, an opportunity OF
bearing addresses from gentlemen OF the
great State Of Virginia and officers OF She
beautiful and prosperous city OF Richmond,
and from two Of the highest officers Of tho
brotherhood Of Locomotive Engineers. The
reason the meeting is hold on this beautiful
Easter Sunday ia that our vocation as loco
motive engineers would not permit US 70 leave
our post Of duty on anyOther day. As we de-
sirc the Grand Chief Engineer OF the Universe
10 look down upon and bless all herein assem-
bed. we will open our meeting with prayer,
and | take pleasure IN introducing TO you
Brother DelOss Everett, grand chaplain OF the
Brotherhood Of Locomotive Engineers o. tho
United Statos and Canada, who will lead Us in
prayer
Mr.. Everett offered fervent prayer,
closing as follows:
"God grant that tho managers OF our rail-
road system may he Christian men, and men
that fear God and love righteousness, and that
tLey may manage their railways In the interest
Of Christianity and civilization"
Mr.. BASS WELCOMES THEM.
Mayor Darlington being confined to
his room, and therefore not able TO be
present, Captain i. l.. Bass, president
OF the Board of Aldermen, was intro
duced to welcome the visitors. Mr..
Bass, having been given only a few
minutes notice, had prepared no
speech, but in few well-chosen words
welcomed the members of the brother
hood. wished them a pleasant and
profitable session, and hoped they
would carry TO their homes pleasant re-
collections of our city and their enter
tainment.
Mr.. McAllister, chairman of the En-
tertainment Committee, received the
following letter from Mayor Caring
ton:
MAYORS OFFICB,l
W. c. CARRINGToN. MAYOR,
RICHMOND, Va, April 10, 1897. }
lsn4 II
IOctmOfire Engineers:
Ceutlemen.-I felt honored by your invita-
tiOn 10 be with you and your visiting brethren
to-day, and hoped wonld be able TO ENJOY tne
pleasure Of the OCCASION
Rlit am far too uuwell 20 try TO go to your
aeeem bling, and have been In bed all day.
/ really regret my enforced absence, ana
,henkinr Won for your kindly compliment, /
tender your associates most hearty welcome
10 cur city, and feel confident their remem,
brarce Of cur people will be pleasant when
know tbey are In such competent ana hosplIa-
bic hands 6s your committee
Win Kindly wishes, am yours most truiy
w. c. CAERINGT0N, Mayor.
Chief Arthur's speech.
When Captain Bass concluded Presi-
dent Scleyers introduced MIR. 7. NJ.
arthur, the grand chief engineer OF
the Locomotive brotherhood OF the
United States and Canada. Mr.. Arthur
10 a man who has passed middle age:
lie has a fine, manly, cheerful face and
could easily pass for minister OF the
GOSPEL. In beginning his remarks he
EXPRESSED delight at being permitted TO
appear before so large an audience ID
t6e citv of Richmond, and called at
tention TO the fact that this was
The first "union meeting 6" ever
hold by the locomotive brotherhood
IN Richmond. In explaining why Sun
6av was selected as the day for the
meeting. he said: "Owing to their pecu-
l;er vocation our men are unable to
come together any other day of the
week. j can say truly that l labored
for wears with our brotherhood to abol-
;sh their meetings on the Sabbath day,
lint found it on impossibility-.hat is,
e we abolished having them on Sunday
Mo would have to give them up alto
Gether. Hence VIC have decided here
and there in the different parts oi
ibe country to hold our union
r,eet;nos me and bring together our
members and give them, as we'll as
the Inc = erand chief, an opportunity of In
tercbsnging views and opinions touch
inc those questions that affect the pub
l;c lice veal as well as their own. We are
here to-day in that capacity. No busl,
ness is transacted at these meetings. l